Basset Hounds

First off, I'm one of nature's planners and this is not happening for a good couple of years, but humour me .

I really want a basset hound puppy. Are there any owners about who can talk to me about the breed?

Here's some information about our family.

I have two young children.I am home most of the time.We are not a hugely active family. I mean, we'd do walks and stuff, but we're not regularly hiking up mountains or anything.I grew up with dogs, but have never owned one as an adult.We have a medium sized house and garden.

Any advice? And if you don't think a basset hound is suitable, what breed would you recommend?

There was a thread on here the other day about someone who's DH had brought home a BH at Christmas and she ended up having to re-home it. I would see if you can find that thread, she might be able to give you some advice.

It was definitely a dog, and OP is right that reputable breeders won't sell pups at Christmas. The DH got it from puppy farm.

Our agility instructor has bassets and they are fab! Very cheeky, clever, and I'm afraid hers are quite stubborn (although the worst culprit is crossed with a jrt so that might be why). My DS adores her bassets and they are wonderful with him. I'd say they need more mental stimulation than physical, as do most dogs.

Yeah they can be tough but once they have it that's it we were first time dog owners after growing up with predominantly Labradors in our family homes but it's worked for us (maybe we got lucky for once) ours is a snuggle machine with velvet ears that kinda take off in the wind, I wanted a Bassett but DH wanted a beagle and I'm glad we did now next ones my choice though

I don't have a basset, but have a stubborn breed that is hard to train(the most amazing temperament though) ...... Anyway I would just say really think about your personality and think how you would feel - having invested time and energy into training, that your dog essentially smiles at you and then does exactly what he likes..... It really is something you need to think about. I new about this aspect of his breeds personality, but still find it very hard to come to terms with. The best analogy I have for it , it you have very high standards as a parent , you have boundaries that are set , you are an involved parent - your kids know how to behave, but yet on a daily basis they smile and break those rules , infront of everyone.....My friends think it's funny- I struggle to find it funny as I have invested so much more time than them in training there dogs (mostly labs) - but theirs "gets it" mine chooses not too......

you have very high standards as a parent , you have boundaries that are set , you are an involved parent - your kids know how to behave, but yet on a daily basis they smile and break those rules , infront of everyone.....

As a general rule, they don't like being left for long periods and are prone to howl if upset. I used to have to come home from school at lunch so that he had company! This won't be an issue if you're home most of the time. They love company and Absolutely love people.

They are prone to arthritis due to their short legs. As they get older it's harder and harder for them to navigate stairs etc. The build of the breed varies wildly and you may find that if you get a long and lean dog, the artritis won't be a problem. We had a stocky and short one and he suffered horribly (it was what took him from us in the end)

They drool constantly but give the best hugs. Eyes and ears get very gloopy and need cleaned twice a week.

Stubborn little shits. If they don't want to walk anymore, they will simply sit and will not move. Middle of a road, middle of a field..prepare for a battle you can't win (and to be standing in the pissing rain for 20m waiting for dearest doggy to decide to move)

They don't do well in kennels. If you go away for any length of time, they should really be with a family member.

A 30-45m walk a day is fine. They get distracted by scent so you'll likely spend quite a bit of this time trying to find them.

They are the most loving breed. You've not experienced a doggy cuddle until you've had one from a basset. If I was home during the day I wouldn't hesitate in having another.

they are beautiful, affectionate, surprisingly athletic, stubborn and funny dogs - and as mytummy says, give cuddles like no other. I am under one right now My big boy will happily walk for miles, but not always in a straight line, and his recall is largely dependent on whether I remembered to put cheese in my pocket before we came out. They adore human company, and are very gentle with children, and I don't think I'd ever have any other kind of dog now. despite the houndy smell.

But because basset puppies are so cute they are very, very badly puppy-farmed - especially in Wales - and it's vital you go to a responsible breeder who can reassure you about health-checks and show you what their adult hounds look like. Google the national and local breed clubs and maybe go to a show or an organised basset walk near you, if only to get an idea of how big and noisy they can be!